Questions And Answers

"In our Bible study we were discussing 2 Chronicles 36:16 'till there was no remedy.'

I understand these people mocked the messengers of God, despised his words, and misused his prophets. This was before Christ died on the cross.

What I would like to know is will a murderer be forgiven if he repents and is baptized today?

A man, presumably a murderer, said, 'I can never become a Christian, because of what I've done.' I believe Christ died for all sins providing we hear, believe, repent, confess and are baptized and do his will, go forth sinning no more. Or is there `no remedy' for this man?

I hope I have made myself clear and will appreciate your answer." Mrs. J. J. C.

I think that you are right, and I believe that the man can become a Christian, live a faithful life, and be eternally saved.

In the chapter under consideration, we read of four Kings (Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah) who did evil in the sight of God. Because of this, the people transgressed and followed the abominations of the heathen. God had compassion on them, and sent messengers to warn them and turn them from their evil ways, but they rejected them.

God has always provided a remedy for sin. When men reject God and the plan or method by which they are to be forgiven, there is no remedy! It is true that people then and now can reach the point where there is no forgiveness, but it is not God's fault. They cut themselves off by transgression and rebellion.

Jesus came to turn the Jews back to God. He was God's remedy for them, the messenger like unto Moses (Acts 3:22, 23). They, as a nation, refused to hear him (Matt. 13:14, 15). They mocked, despised, and misused him, "until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people." Then the Lord said unto them, "0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matt. 23:37.)

After they had rejected and killed God's greatest prophet and messenger, He, by that death, provided a remedy for them. Peter addressed those who by wicked hands had crucified the son of God (Acts 2:23). When they believed his message and asked what to do, he said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). He did not say that they could not be forgiven. Thousands obeyed the gospel that day and were forgiven. For those who rejected the word, there was no remedy.

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

There is much involved in walking in the light, but in it there is a remedy for sin.

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